Show Times

No Visconti film has more sharply divided critics than this staggeringly sumptuous biography of the mad Bavarian king, many of whose tastes (opera, lavish decor, male beauty) reflect Visconti's own. Most of the negative judgments were based on the dubbed and severely truncated version released by MGM; this screening represents an opportunity to see the film in its full-length big-screen glory. Major episodes include Ludwig's patronage of opportunistic Richard Wagner (superbly played by Trevor Howard) and his platonic love affair with Empress Elizabeth of Austria (Schneider). In Italian, German, and French with English subtitles. DCP digital widescreen. Note: There will be a 15-minute intermission. (MR)